A recent study by Pearson, a leading learning company, has shed light on the significant contributions skilled migrants make to the Australian economy. The research highlights that migrants are not only filling critical gaps in the workforce but also outperforming the national average in terms of economic impact.
The Pearson Migrant and Student Study (PMASS) analysed data from over 3,000 Australian visa applicants who took the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE), an English proficiency test approved by the Department of Home Affairs for all visa classes. The study aimed to understand the economic, social, and cultural contributions of migrants and their role in shaping Australians’ shared understanding of the ‘Great Australian Dream.’
Sasha Hampson, VP of PTE Global Stakeholder Relations at Pearson, emphasised the importance of migrants in addressing Australia’s skills shortage and declining productivity growth. The PMASS found that migrants who took the PTE were more likely to be employed in crucial fields such as aged and disability care, nursing, and software programming, compared to the general population.
The study also highlighted the reciprocal benefits of migration, with PTE test takers earning an additional $20,000 per annum compared to the Australian salary median six months post-settlement. This increased earning capacity has a positive flow-on effect on the broader economy, with areas experiencing higher inflows of migrants seeing a rise in productivity levels.
Australia’s welcoming nature was also underscored, with 91% of PTE test takers feeling welcome in the country. Female migrants, in particular, valued the independence and freedom they experienced in Australia. The importance of learning English was highlighted as essential to positive migrant experiences, with the majority of test takers agreeing that it helped them understand Australian rules and regulations, gain employment, and increase ties to the wider community.
The findings of the PMASS are further supported by Pearson’s white paper, ‘Australian Dreams,’ which emphasises the significance of effective language testing in visa processes for migrants’ integration and positive experiences in Australia. The white paper is based on interviews with test takers and will be launched during Harmony Week by the Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor.
Test takers shared their personal experiences, with Nadia Mofrad from Iran expressing how the cultural ethos of inclusivity in Australia helped her carve out her own path towards financial independence. Eric John de Guzman from the Philippines highlighted the value of learning English in his successful integration as a teacher in Australia.
The study underscores the vital role of skilled migrants and international students in Australia’s economy, education system, and way of life. As Australia continues to rely on migration, the need for trusted, secure, and reliable English tests becomes increasingly important to ensure the sustainability of the nation’s cherished values of diversity, inclusion, opportunity, and economic strength.
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